Life

Combining art and mindfulness

London artist Lorraine Thomson is on a mission to teach people of all skill levels to slow down and create, line by line.

An artist from an early age, Thomson has always been creative and finds art is a way to express feelings and emotions that cannot be expressed any other way.

“If I don't do some form of creative outlet I get grumpy; there is a feeling of ‘I have to.’ I am drawn to the creative personal expression where different artists will see the same thing but can have a very different expression or interpretation of it," said Thomson. "I love watching an image form by my hand from nothing."

Thomson believes art has an important role to play in people’s lives with its ability to process or interpret feelings and emotions or reactions to life. She sees therapeutic benefits because it can help people cope with day-to-day stress and tensions.

“Art can offer a different way of seeing things," she said. "It can make us stop to ponder. Life is so busy and highly digital and overloaded with incoming data that we need to slow down and re-connect with ourselves."

Thomson was working at Curry’s Art Store when she first discovered Zentangle. The store carried the official materials, which reminded Thomson of the doodle art she did as a child. She tried it out and immediately fell in love with it. Even the most detailed patterns were straightforward when broken down one stroke at a time.

After becoming fascinated by the art that could be created, Thomson decided to become a certified Zentangle teacher and took the courses offered in Rhode Island by Zentangle founders Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. She had already taught a variety of art classes to all age and ability levels and it was a good fit for her skillset.

While there are many online videos and books that can teach Zentangle, Thomson recommends learning from a certified teacher. Only teachers who trained in Rhode Island receive the "CZT" designation, and they can break down the process into simple-to-follow steps and individualize it for each student.

“Often people are amazed that they were successful drawing the patterns, particularly people who say, ‘I am not an artist - I can't even draw a stick person!’ They think it is hard to do. I reassure them and encourage them to follow along with me, I will help them and to just try it. There is no particular artistic aptitude required. If you can draw lines, you can learn Zentangle,” said Thomson.

Thomson says the Zentangle method can act like a visual meditation which uses structured repetitive patterns. That can lead to reduced stress, increased focus, calmed and settled emotions and it may reduce pain. Many of her students find it helpful to use as a coping tool and it can help with pain management, particularly chronic pain. The bonus is the beautiful artwork that is produced during the process.

“We all needs ways to turn off the world and be in the moment. Zentangle is a wonderful way to do that, and it doesn’t require special talent,” said Thomson.